Tom Hodge: the classical composer bringing Paganini to the pop charts
aaamusic | On 25, Nov 2010
Anybody who owns a television will have been exposed to Tom Hodge’s music, whether they are aware that they have heard it or not. As a specialist in applied composition, Tom’s works have been featured in films, television programmes and theatre productions, and in hundreds of adverts for Audi, Smirnoff, Vodafone Guardian, Independent and Max Factor.
In ‘Paganini Rocks’, Tom Hodge has taken inspiration both from the variety of musical styles which he has been exposed to throughout his media career and his classical training at the Royal College of Music. The result: an exciting fusion of contrasting genres, incorporating elements of groove based jazz, minimalism and electronica.
The versatility of ‘Paganini Rocks’ has proven to be extremely popular with listeners of all musical tastes, and has even sparked off a string of dance music remixes. DJs and remixers who have taken inspiration from Tom Hodge’s music include the renowned Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank who sampled Tom’s ‘Paganini Rocks’ and vocals from Au Revoir Simone on his new club hit. James Talk, Louis Laroche, and Mighty Mouse, have also produced remixes inspired by Tom’s original variations on Paganini’s Caprice No.24 in A Minor, with House/Electronica DJ Tom Middleton producing his Liquatech Remix through the incorporation of Hodge’s music. Through interesting collaborations such as these, Tom Hodge challenges the concept of the untouchable, elitist classical music genre by fusing its elements with other musical styles. By presenting classical music in an unusual guise, Hodge has succeeded in bringing classical music to a wider audience.
The track itself contains great sonic variety; juxtaposing rich string writing, jaunty rhythms and Philip Glass-esque minimalism in neatly defined sections. The Paganini inspired music constantly surprises the listener with abrupt shifts both rhythmically and melodically. Through these contrasts, the listener is promised a diverse and exhilarating auditory experience in the track’s different versions. The original ‘Paganini Rocks’ demonstrates Tom Hodge’s complex orchestration and his unique musical voice, and its influence on other musicians has resulted in some stirring sonic explorations.
On December 9th 2010 Tom Hodge performs live at Station Sessions, St Pancras International at 6.30pm
